Christ King HSS hosts Umberto Marocchino Memorial tournament

Christ King Higher Secondary School (CKHSS) inaugurated the two-day Umberto Marocchino Memorial Tournament on its premises, an event dedicated to fostering sportsmanship, unity, and honouring the legacy of a pioneering Catholic missionary in Nagaland.
The tournament was held in memory of Fr Umberto Marocchino, who was recognised as one of the first Catholic missionaries in Kohima. During the inaugural ceremony, the Rector and parish priest of Christ the King Church, Fr C M Joseph, recounted that the Italian priest had baptised the first Catholics in Nagaland and had laid the foundational work for the Church’s presence in the state.
Fr Joseph stated that the event was not merely about sports but also about commemorating a man whose missionary zeal had borne fruit in Kohima and whose legacy continues to be a source of inspiration.
Special guest, president, Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome, , addressed the gathering of students and faculty. In his speech, he urged students to embrace the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance through sports. Mathew described the tournament as a significant opportunity for students to engage in physical activity and enjoyment. He emphasised that sports are instrumental in building not only physical strength but also in teaching essential life lessons in discipline, teamwork, and fairness.
Mathew advised students to maintain discipline both on and off the field and to show respect towards their parents, elders, teachers, and school staff. He also encouraged them to recognise that each individual is gifted differently by God, and the challenge lies in identifying and mastering one’s unique talent, be it in sports, music, or academics.
Concluding his address, Mathew encouraged students to put God first in all their endeavours, citing the biblical teaching that all things can be achieved through Christ. He expressed hope that the tournament would foster unity and that the best teams would emerge victorious.
The memorial tournament featured a wide array of events including football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, tug-of-war, tunnel ball, and a mathematics quiz, ensuring participation from students across various disciplines. The programme was chaired by T Zuchobeni Ezung, and invocation by vice principal, Sr Therese Rothangpuii, followed by a choral performance from the school choir and a choreography presentation by the CKHSS Dance Club. The vote of thanks was delivered by Thejalhoukhonuo.